MANILA, (PIA) -- Former communist rebels and supporters gathered at historic Plaza Miranda on Wednesday to denounce the alleged violence and human rights violations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The rally was organized by the Kilusan ng Pagwawasto sa Kasaysayan (KPK), an anti-communist group, and coincided with the 54th founding anniversary of the New People's Army (NPA).

“Itakwil at Labanan ang 54-taong kataksilan at ilantad ang panlilinlang ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF! Wakasan ang armadong Terrorismo!” the KPK members protested.

(Translation: Reject and fight the 54-year treachery and expose the deception of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF! End their armed terrorism!)

The KPK lit candles and burned the flags of the CPP-NPA-NDF during the protest, sending a strong message to the organization and its supporters. Hundreds of people, including former rebels, victims of the CPP's violence, and concerned citizens attended the event.

Speaking at the rally, former communist rebels and supporters shared their stories of how they were deceived by the CPP-NPA-NDF and how the organization has committed countless human rights violations over the years. They also criticized the organization's leaders for living in luxury while their followers suffer.

One of the former rebels who spoke at the rally was Peter "Ka Ramon" Mutuc, the KPK convener and one of the organizers of the First Quarter Storm during the term of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

“Sa Plaza Miranda nagsimula ang terorismo ng CPP-NPA-NDF, dahil sa utos ni Joma Sison. Today, dito sa Plaza Miranda namin sila sisingilin pananagutin, at wawakasan ang limang dekadang karahasan at pighating naidulot nila sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Mutuc said.

(Translation: It is in Plaza Miranda, where the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorism began, due to Joma Sison's order. Today, here at Plaza Miranda, we will hold them accountable, and end the five decades of violence and discord they have caused to every Filipino family.)

Another member, Ka Josephine, who was a member of the CPP for more than a decade, shared how she was lured into joining the organization by promises of a better life and a better future for the country. However, she soon realized that the organization's leaders were only interested in their own personal gain.

"I joined the CPP because I wanted to fight for the rights of the poor and the oppressed. But what I saw was leaders who were only interested in enriching themselves," she said.

Another former rebel who spoke at the rally was Ka Romeo, who was a member of the NPA for more than 20 years. He shared how the organization's leaders have become corrupt and how they have betrayed the ideals of the organization's founders.

"The CPP-NPA-NDF has strayed from the path of the revolution. The leaders have become corrupt and have betrayed the ideals of the organization's founders," he said.

The KPK, which organized the rally, is a group that aims to correct the historical record of the Philippines by exposing the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF. The group believes that the organization's violent tactics have caused more harm than good to the country and its people.

During the rally, the KPK burned the flags of the CPP-NPA-NDF, a symbol of their defiance against the organization. The group also called on the government to take action against the CPP and its armed wing, the NPA, and to hold them accountable for their crimes against the people.

The rally was held on the 54th founding anniversary of the NPA, a milestone for the organization. However, instead of celebrating, former rebels and supporters chose to denounce the organization's violence and human rights violations.

The Philippine government has been at war with the CPP-NPA-NDF for more than five decades. The organization has been accused of committing numerous human rights violations, including murder, kidnapping, and extortion.

In recent years, the government has intensified its efforts to end the insurgency. Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has declared the CPP-NPA-NDF a terrorist organization and has ordered the military to take decisive action against the group.

The rally at Plaza Miranda is a testament to the growing opposition against the CPP-NPA-NDF. Former rebels and supporters are speaking out against the organization and are calling on the government to put an end to their violent tactics.

The KPK, along with other anti-communist groups, is hoping that the government will listen to their pleas and take action against the CPP-NPA-NDF. The group believes that the organization's violent tactics have no place in a democratic society and that their atrocities must be brought to justice.

As the rally came to a close, former rebels and supporters vowed to continue their fight against the CPP-NPA-NDF. (PIA-NCR)